Highlights:
AMU has taken strict action against Associate Professor S Mustafa Zaidi. The university has issued a notice of compulsory retirement to the professor based on the charges of misconduct.

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has taken strict action against Associate Professor S Mustafa Zaidi. The university has issued a notice of compulsory retirement to the professor based on the charges of misconduct, dereliction of duty, attempt to mislead authorities and insubordination.

Convicted Professor Zaidi, the Secretary of AMU Teacher’s Association, said that the move is against AMU rules as no provisions have ever been laid down for awarding compulsory retirement. He is determined to take the matter to a court of law and even to the President of India.

Omar Saleem Peerzada, PRO, AMU informed that the decision to give early retirement to S Mustafa Zaidi was taken by the Executive Council (EC) of the University. He further added that he is not aware if there are norms in the university’s rule book to award compulsory retirement, however, he supported EC’s decision and said that of the council has decided then there must be some rules in this regard.

On the other hand, S Mustafa Zaidi said that he has not yet received any copy of the order that states that his compulsory retirement with immediate effect on October 29. The professor also said that he is just being punished for not taking classes for one day. He even stated that those who informed him about his retirement letter to him were also unaware of any rules regarding compulsory retirement.

The AMUTA also released a statement and said that the action against Zaidi is just a malicious attempt to mute the voices of dissent and protest. The Association further added that the charges were preposterous and that their secretary was performing his duties when he raised his voice against the alleged arbitrary promotions, financial bungling and illegal admissions in the university.